Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Cheltenham and Doncaster Saturday preview

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Saturday’s action from Cheltenham and Doncaster.

Cheltenham, Saturday

IN EXCELSIS DEO can atone for a string of frustrations by landing the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham (1.50). He can be rather slovenly on occasion, which can be costly in these races, but a stern test on this stiffer New Course will enable him to pick rivals off gradually. There is no doubt that he is well in with a few of these, including favourite Madara on their meeting here last December. The yard is going ok, and this might be his day.

THIRD TIME LUCKI makes a bit of appeal in the two miler (2.25). He shaped as though most of his ability was intact for much of his comeback run, and is unlikely to have to chase down such a frenetic pace nor such a classy leader this time: indeed, he might even be a candidate to make the running. Normal improvement from that run should see him on the premises.

SKYJACK HIJACK might just be able to maintain his extraordinary sequence in the Albert Bartlett race (3.00). Although your head tells you this can’t last, he just keeps getting more impressive with each passing start, and now sets a very clear form standard against some either unproven or slightly uninspiring rivals. Fundamentally, he’s a faster horse and better jumper than most of these, and could put this to bed before stamina really becomes an issue.

ENDLESS ESCAPE is quite a strong fancy at a price in the finale (3.35). Both her nest runs have been at this track, she’s back against mares after a sound run in open company at Ascot, which had all the hallmarks of a pipe-opener over an inadequate trip. She has plenty of experience now, and has never shirked the issue, even when in deep.

Doncaster, Saturday

GABORIOT’S price is rapidly evaporating, but I’ll keep the faith he can do it in the opening TV treat at Doncaster (2.05). This is quite a spicy little race, but he’s progressive, consistent, does a lot of winning, and had his Sefton form nicely confirmed by King Turgeon at Cheltenham on Friday. What’s more, surely a return to three miles must suit?

WYENOT strikes me as a pretty obvious small stakes win bet in the mares’ listed (2.40). She isn’t yet as good as West Balboa, but the favourite is on a recovery mission after two rather listless chasing efforts, and can throw in the odd clunker. By contrast, the selection is straightforward, at the top of her game, and could well get a pretty soft time of it on the lead. She should at least lead the favourite down to the last, at which point she won’t be her current price.

ALTOBELLI is probably one of the most boring selections of the year (3.15), as anyone can see that he’s very well treated on his best efforts, many of which have come when he’s been fresh. This is not a hugely exacting starting point for the season, though he may have most to fear from the class dropping Pembroke.